AI, CLOUD DRIVE DEMAND

GCC data centre investment surpasses $93bn: report

Fri, 23 Oct 2026

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is emerging as a major data centre growth market, with more than 174 active projects representing over $93 billion in investment. Artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and digital transformation are driving demand for new capacity, according to MEED.

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UAE to invest $15 billion in Greece's key sectors

Fri, 23 Oct 2026

The UAE plans to invest an additional $15 billion in Greece over the next five to eight years, targeting energy, hospitality, artificial intelligence, technology, industry and infrastructure, according to Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade.

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9.1% REBOUND SEEN

IMF forecasts strong Gulf economic recovery in 2027

Fri, 23 Oct 2026

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast a 1.3 per cent contraction in the economies of the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAP) in 2026, followed by a strong rebound of 6.6 per cent next year, as the regional conflict continues to weigh heavily on energy production, trade and economic activity.

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OIL RISES TO $113.9

Aramco seeks to increase overseas strategic oil storage capacity

Fri, 23 Oct 2026

Saudi Arabia and state oil giant Aramco are seeking partnerships with foreign governments to expand overseas strategic oil storage capacity, as the company anticipates a significant increase in demand following the Middle East conflict.

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ANALYSIS

GCC capital markets enter new phase as funding sources diversify: Fitch

Wed, 30 Sep 2026

GCC capital markets have witnessed significant development in recent years, driven by governments’ efforts to diversify funding sources and deepen capital markets, said top rating agency Fitch, adding the combined market capitalisation of listed equity markets across the Gulf region stands at around $4 trillion.

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Top This Week

Emirates NBD nine-month profit before tax hits $6.62bn

Wed, 21 Oct 2026

Leading UAE bank Emirates NBD has reported a 4% jump in its profit before tax for the first nine months which hit AED24.3 billion ($6.6 billion), while its income soared to hit a record AED42.2 billion ($11.4 billion), up 15% year-on-year despite higher impairment and hyperinflation charges.

IDOM to deliver detailed design for the 500MW Oman solar project

Wed, 21 Oct 2026

IDOM has been selected by Shanxi Installation Group to carry out the detailed design for the 500 MW Al Kamil I Solar Project in Oman, further strengthening the company’s presence in the Middle East’s growing renewable energy sector.

Indonesian investment arm buys prime plots in $7bn Thakher Makkah

Wed, 21 Oct 2026

Danantara Indonesia, through its investment arm, PT Danantara Investment Management (DIM), has acquired 4.4 hectares of land plots within the SAR26 billion ($7 billion) Thakher Makkah development, following the acquisition and handover of Novotel Thakher Makkah. The transaction involves an operating hotel with 1,461 rooms and suites.

Senaat unit lands Qiddiya Tennis Center structural steelworks contract

Wed, 21 Oct 2026

Saudi-based Advanced Building Industries Company (Senaat) has announced that its key subsidiary, Zamil Steel, has been awarded a major contract to provide fabrication, supply and installation of structural steelworks and metal façades for the National Tennis Center in Qiddiya City, Riyadh.

OpenAI plans to develop AI-powered humanoid robots

Wed, 21 Oct 2026

OpenAI has confirmed that it is officially entering the hardware market to independently develop in-house humanoid robots.

Eli Lilly, Mubadala Bio sign deal for advance pharma contract manufacturing Abu Dhabi

Wed, 21 Oct 2026

Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) and Mubadala Bio have announced a strategic collaboration to advance the localised packaging and logistics of Lilly’s GLP-1 medicines in Abu Dhabi, marking an important step in a shared commitment to advancing the emirate’s growing life sciences ecosystem.

World Bank launches first digital strategy to expand access, create Jobs

Wed, 21 Oct 2026

The World Bank Group on Tuesday launched its first digital strategy, bringing together its public and private sector capabilities to help developing countries expand affordable digital access, improve services, and create jobs.

Hormuz could become redundant in five years, says HSBC chief; Brent tops $110

Wed, 21 Oct 2026

The Strait of Hormuz could become redundant within five years as Gulf countries accelerate investment in alternative energy export routes following the Iran war, HSBC Group Chief Executive Georges Elhedery said, even as renewed supply concerns pushed Brent crude above $110 a barrel on Wednesday.

China-Saudi JV clinches $306m Qiddiya stadium curtain-wall deal

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

Chinese contractor Fangda said its joint venture with Saudi Arabia’s IKK Group, has secured a SAR1.15 billion ($306 million) contract to design, supply and install curtain-walls for two sections of Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium project in capital Riyadh.

Work on flydubai's aircraft maintenance facility nearing completion

Thu, 22 Oct 2026

Leading regional budget carrier flydubai has announced that work is nearing completion on its 32,600-sq-m aircraft maintenance centre in Dubai South and is on schedule for build finalisation by the end of this year. After construction, the project will enter an extensive operational readiness and technical commissioning phase.

Aramco seeks to increase overseas strategic oil storage capacity

Fri, 23 Oct 2026

Saudi Arabia and state oil giant Aramco are seeking partnerships with foreign governments to expand overseas strategic oil storage capacity, as the company anticipates a significant increase in demand following the Middle East conflict.

flydubai’s $190m Aircraft Maintenance Centre nears completion at Dubai South

Thu, 22 Oct 2026

flydubai’s purpose-built Aircraft Maintenance Centre (AMC) at Dubai South is nearing construction completion, with the multimillion-dollar facility scheduled to be finalised by the end of 2026 and expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2027.

UAE to invest $15 billion in Greece's key sectors

Fri, 23 Oct 2026

The UAE plans to invest an additional $15 billion in Greece over the next five to eight years, targeting energy, hospitality, artificial intelligence, technology, industry and infrastructure, according to Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade.

GCC data centre investment surpasses $93bn: report

Fri, 23 Oct 2026

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is emerging as a major data centre growth market, with more than 174 active projects representing over $93 billion in investment. Artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and digital transformation are driving demand for new capacity, according to MEED.

Deploying capital in the Gulf: the pitfalls that slow deals down

Wed, 14 Oct 2026

The Gulf is one of the most active investment regions in the world. Diversification efforts have opened sectors from logistics and healthcare to technology, energy and financial services, and international capital has followed. But deals in the region rarely stall over price – they stall over process, timing and people. Investors who understand this early tend to close faster and build stronger partnerships.

EYWA joins forces with Longevium to expand its longevity, wellness offering

Thu, 22 Oct 2026

EYWA, a global regenerative luxury brand pioneered by European developer R.Evolution, has partnered with Dubai-based Longevium, a network of clinics specialising in metabolic health, preventive care, and data-driven medicine, to expand its approach to longevity, preventive health and wellbeing.

Sustainability cornerstone of UAE’s progress: Sheikh Ahmed

Thu, 22 Oct 2026

The UAE continues to advance its pioneering approach making sustainability a cornerstone of development, innovation a driver of growth and international partnerships a foundation for a more prosperous future.

DPWF breaks ground on $1.01m school in Indonesia

Wed, 21 Oct 2026

DP World Foundation (DPWF), the philanthropic arm of DP World, together with Belawan New Container Terminal (BNCT), has marked the ground breaking of an AED3.7 million ($1.01 million) junior high school in Belawan, Medan, Indonesia.

International Gifts and Products Exhibition opens in Jeddah

Thu, 22 Oct 2026

The inaugural International Gifts & Products Exhibition has opened at the Jeddah Exhibition and Events Centre, operated by the Jeddah Chamber, and will run until October 31.

UAE to invest $15 billion in Greece's key sectors

Fri, 23 Oct 2026

The UAE plans to invest an additional $15 billion in Greece over the next five to eight years, targeting energy, hospitality, artificial intelligence, technology, industry and infrastructure, according to Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade.

Dubai launches trial operation of Glydways automated transit system

Sun, 11 Oct 2026

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the trial operation of the Dubai Glydways automated transit system at a premium retail destination in the emirate - Bluewaters. The system uses autonomous electric vehicles supported by artificial intelligence technologies, operating on dedicated guideways.

DCT Abu Dhabi to host Hexagon World Series 2027

Fri, 23 Oct 2026

Abu Dhabi will host the Hexagon World Series padel tournament in October 2027, bringing the professional team padel circuit to the emirate for the first time.

Saudi, UAE win big at 2026 American Concrete Institute Awards

Thu, 22 Oct 2026

Saudi Arabia led Gulf winners at the 2026 American Concrete Institute Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards, with its projects (NovusCrete, King Salman International Complex and Aramco Stadium) securing first-place honours in three categories, while Dubai’s Wasl Tower won in the high-rise structures category.

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